Cast Members across social media are sharing news that Disney Aspire is reducing funding caps on college tuition at schools which previously were not subject to a limit, and eliminating Masters programs altogether. The change is impacting Cast Members beginning in November, regardless of where they are in their education journey.
Disney Aspire Reducing Funding Caps
Currently, the program pays “100% of tuition upfront” according to DisneyConnect.com’s Cast Life section:
Our Disney Aspire program gives U.S. hourly Cast Members access to higher education by paying 100% of tuition upfront.
This appears to be true at a limited number of institutions prior to the announced changes, with Valencia College being the only located locally to Walt Disney World. The University of Florida was previously in the Disney Aspire network, but is no longer part of the program for new enrollees. Additionally, it’s being said that all Masters degree programs have been removed from available options.
Cast Members are expressing concern that their coverage for tuition is being reduced early on or midway through their college programs. The details of the changes seem to clearly establish that existing Cast Members will not be “grandfathered in” to their current programs. Covered Cast Members will have to transfer to a covered institution, reduce their course load, and/or pay out of pocket for anything in excess of the new limits.
Beyond this, Cast Members planning to enroll in a Masters program will no longer be able to do so, and will either have to forego the advanced degree or fully pay for it themselves.
Cast Members have expressed that the reduced annual amount of $5,250 is not enough to cover the offered online courses at even a part time schedule. Additionally, in-person tuition generally costs even more than the online equivalent.
From an update Disney shared with Cast Members:
Effective 11/27/24, Disney Aspire is introducing an annual funding cap of $5,250 to the program.
A funding cap is a specific amount of education coverage paid through Disney Aspire each funding period, which runs from late November through late November of the following year. Your funding cap will go towards your tuition as well as your applicable books and fees each period.
If you are enrolled, or plan to enroll, prior to the effective date of 11/27/2024, that term will be fully funded by Disney but may apply toward your 2025 funding cap depending on when tuition payments are processed. Please connect with your school for more information and to better understand payment timing. All enrollment following 11/27/2024 is subject to funding caps.
While funding caps are intended to eventually apply to all students, reference the below chart to understand which are effective on 11/27/2024. Please stay tuned for future updates about funding caps.
The document goes on to say:
You are responsible for tracking your own funding each funding period. … If you exceed your funding cap in a single funding period, you are responsible for paying the overage out-of-pocket and will be billed directly by your school.
The full flyer can be seen below.
About Disney Aspire
The Disney Aspire program is an education initiative launched by The Walt Disney Company to provide its hourly employees with access to free higher education. This comprehensive program covers 100% of tuition costs upfront, including fees for courses, books, and application fees, allowing employees to pursue a wide range of degrees, certificates, and vocational training at over 10 academic institutions. Participants can select from various fields of study, including business, technology, and healthcare, regardless of whether their degree relates to their current role at Disney. The program is designed to support personal growth and career advancement, empowering employees to pursue their educational dreams while working at the company.
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